January 5, 2009

Obama to webcast and text message inaugural ball

On inauguration night, Barack and Michelle will make their first stop – and dance their first dance – at a ball that will be Webcast to living rooms and community centers around the country as part of the Presidential Inaugural Committee’s plan to make this the most accessible swearing-in in history. Politico reports.

Some of the tickets will go free to District of Columbia residents, and some will be offered to grassroots supporters around the country.

Planners are borrowing from the house-party concept that the Obama campaign used to bring the excitement of the trail into the homes of grassroots supporters.

... The event, one of 10 official inaugural balls, will be held at the Washington Convention Center.

The Presidential Inaugural Committee is calling it “the premiere event” of the night, and trying to validate that by making it the new president’s first stop.

“The ball will also feature a robust interactive component, including webcasting and text messaging,” the committee said in its announcement. “The PIC will release more details soon about using technology to allow Americans who are attending neighborhood balls across the country to participate actively in this celebration.”